Daikanbo
大観峰
The highest point on the northern side of the Aso outer rim, with views over the whole caldera plain and the five Aso peaks, which look like a reclining Buddha. Autumn mornings bring spectacular sea-of-clouds scenes.
Daikanbo, at about 936 m above sea level on the northern edge of the Aso outer rim, is the best place to admire the full panorama of the Aso caldera. From the observation deck you look down on Aso town, rice fields and railway tracks on the caldera floor. Across the way, the five Aso peaks form a single line that resembles a reclining Buddha, known as the 'Nirvana Buddha.' On clear days you can also see the Kuju mountain range in the distance. From early autumn to early winter, cold air forms a sea of clouds inside the caldera, with only the peaks of the five mountains poking through. The view is spectacular, and you need to arrive around sunrise. There is a car park, a rest area and snack shops near the observation deck, and you can walk the grassy trail to the highest point. Admission is free. Getting there: public transport is inconvenient, so driving is recommended. It is about 30 minutes from Aso Station. The drive along the outer rim on the 'Milk Road' offers superb scenery, and you can detour to Kurokawa Onsen (about 30 minutes). Note that it is windy, and temperatures are very low on cloud-sea mornings.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Oshitoishi Hill
- Uchinomaki Onsen
- Aso Shrine
- Komezuka
- Kurokawa Onsen
- Aso Volcano Museum
- Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater
- Kusasenri